Alcohol is a socially accepted and widely consumed beverage worldwide. From a celebratory toast to a relaxing evening drink, alcohol is present in many cultures and traditions. However, the consequences of excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues and addiction problems. This article will explore how alcohol deteriorates health, the risks of addiction, and ways to tackle drinking addiction.

Alcohol and its Effects on Health

The liver is the main organ that metabolises alcohol in the body. The liver can only metabolise a certain amount of alcohol per hour, and anything consumed beyond that amount can damage the liver and other organs, leading to serious health issues. Chronic alcohol consumption can cause liver diseases such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. Excessive drinking can also increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and cancer.

Alcohol affects the nervous system, impairing coordination, balance, and cognitive function. Prolonged and heavy drinking can cause memory loss, confusion, and permanent brain damage. Alcohol can also affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and mood swings.

Alcohol and Addiction

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a chronic disease characterised by the compulsive consumption of alcohol despite negative consequences. Alcohol addiction can be caused by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Addiction can lead to various problems, such as job loss, financial troubles, relationship issues, and legal problems.

Twenty-one studies conducted in different states of India included 73997 community-based respondents, which estimated the overall prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) as 12.5% (95% CI: 9 to 17.3%). Alcohol addiction can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe. Mild AUD involves two to three symptoms, moderate AUD involves four to five symptoms, and severe AUD involves six or more symptoms.

As per DSM 5, symptoms of AUD include: - 

  • Consuming larger amounts of alcohol than intended
  • Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use
  • Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol
  • Craving or strong desire to use alcohol
  • Failing to fulfil major obligations at work, school, or home due to recurrent alcohol use
  • Continued alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol
  • Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use
  • Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
  • Continued alcohol use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol
  • Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: a) a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect or b) a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol
  • Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: a) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol or b) alcohol (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol Addiction and Recovery

Recovery from alcohol addiction involves a combination of medical treatment, therapy, and support groups. The first step in recovery is detoxification, where the body rids itself with alcohol. Detoxification can be done in a hospital or a rehabilitation centre, where medical professionals monitor the process and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy is an essential component of recovery. It helps the person understand the underlying causes of their addiction, identify triggers, and develop coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and stress. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a commonly used therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with addiction.

Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), can provide a safe space for people in recovery to share their experiences, receive support, and stay motivated to maintain sobriety. Support groups can also provide a sense of community and help people develop social skills.

Case Studies and Research

There are several case studies and research on the effects of alcohol on health and ways to tackle drinking addiction. A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that motivational interviewing, a form of therapy that focuses on increasing motivation to change, was effective in reducing alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers.

Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that combining medication and therapy was effective in reducing relapse rates among people in recovery from alcohol addiction. The study found that naltrexone, a medication that blocks the effects of alcohol, was effective in reducing relapse rates when combined with CBT.

One famous case study is that of Eric Clapton, a renowned musician who struggled with alcohol addiction for many years. Clapton had a long history of heavy drinking, which affected his health, relationships, and career. He entered rehabilitation several times but relapsed each time.

Clapton's turning point came when he lost his four-year-old son in a tragic accident. He realized that his addiction was causing him to neglect his family and that he needed to get sober for their sake. Clapton sought help from a rehabilitation centre and began attending AA meetings. He has been sober since 1987 and has become an advocate for addiction recovery, speaking openly about his struggles and offering support to others in recovery.

Conclusion

Alcohol can be a dangerous substance that can lead to serious health issues and addiction problems. It is essential to be aware of the risks associated with excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption and seek help if needed. Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible and involves a combination of medical treatment, therapy, and support. People can improve their physical and mental health, relationships, and quality of life by taking steps towards sobriety.